South Wales-based
TBD Owen Holland Ltd (TBD) is a market leader within the aviation sector for the supply of engineering, material handling and access equipment to customers around the world. In April this year, looking to make efficiency improvements within its business, TBD made the decision to invest in an HSG G3015X fibre laser cutter supplied by Kidderminster-based
MTL Engineering Ltd, the UK agent for the Chinese fibre laser brand.
This ‘state of the art’ HSG machine, which has a 6kW laser, has provided TBD with vastly improved efficiency in cutting sheet metal and will enable the firm to cut thicker sheets in a range of materials. It also features anti-collision protection, the latest software, intelligent stroke protection and auto focus cutting heads to maximise efficiency and production. The robust machine also contains parts that are made in Europe including Panasonic motor and drives and the gearbox and rack and pinion are made in Germany
TBD anticipates that the accuracy of the machine will reduce wastage by up to 30% and save around 50 tonnes of metal waste each year, thus reducing the company’s environmental impact. Secondary processes inherent of the previous plasma operation of grinding and drilling is illuminated with the introduction of the new machine, allowing TBD to benefit from improved processing time and cost.
With the ability to create more parts in-house, TBD is also anticipating improving its environmental impact further at its 60,000ft
2 factory by reducing the transportation of parts to and from sub-contractors, as well as lowering electricity costs and noise levels.
TBD is upskilling its existing engineers to use the new fibre laser, and is also looking to recruit operators. For more information on all job opportunities at the company, visit the website (
www.tbduk.co.uk/careers).